Tunnel of Bones (City of Ghosts #2)
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By: Victoria Schwab
The instant New York Times bestseller Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual. She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) is in Paris, where Cass's parents are filming their TV show about the world's most haunted cities. Sure, it's fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there's true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs. When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter -- and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. But time is running out, and the spirit is only growing stronger. And if Cass fails, the force she's unleashed could haunt the city forever. #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Schwab returns to the spooky and heart-pounding world of City of Ghosts, delivering thrilling new adventures and an unforgettable spin on friendship. (Because sometimes, even psychic ghost best friends have secrets . . .)
AI Overview
Comprehensive Overview of "Tunnel of Bones" by Victoria Schwab
Plot Summary: "Tunnel of Bones" is the second book in the Cassidy Blake series by Victoria Schwab. The story follows Cassidy Blake, a young girl who died and was brought back to life by a ghost, and her ghost best friend Jacob. The series is centered around Cassidy's parents, who are ghost hunters and film a TV show about the world's most haunted cities. In this installment, the family travels to Paris, France, where they are filming an episode about the city's haunted Catacombs.
The plot thickens when Cassidy accidentally awakens a powerful poltergeist in the Catacombs. This ghost, who is revealed to be Thomas, is a malevolent spirit that has forgotten his past and is causing chaos in the real world. Cassidy and Jacob must navigate the dangers of the Veil, a spiritual realm that ghosts inhabit, to uncover Thomas's identity and stop him before he becomes too powerful to control.
Key events include:
- Initial Encounter: Cassidy and Jacob encounter the poltergeist in the Paris Metro, leading to a series of supernatural events that escalate the danger.
- Catacombs Investigation: They delve into the Catacombs to find clues about Thomas's past, encountering various ghostly entities and obstacles along the way.
- Jacob's Backstory: As the story progresses, Cassidy learns more about Jacob's past, which is crucial to understanding his connection to the poltergeist and their friendship.
- Final Confrontation: Cassidy and Jacob work together to lure Thomas into a trap, using Jacob's knowledge of his past to help him remember who he is and send him back to the Veil.
Key Themes:
- Friendship and Trust: The novel explores the complexities of Cassidy and Jacob's friendship, particularly the issue of secrets and trust. Jacob's reluctance to share his past creates tension in their relationship, which is a central theme throughout the book.
- Identity and Memory: The story delves into the theme of identity, particularly through Jacob's backstory and Thomas's forgotten past. This theme is intertwined with the idea of memory and how it shapes our understanding of ourselves and others.
- Power Dynamics: The poltergeist's growing strength serves as a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked power. Cassidy and Jacob must navigate these dynamics to prevent the poltergeist from causing irreparable harm.
Critical Reception:
"Tunnel of Bones" has received positive reviews from critics and readers alike.
- Book Review by Quill and Books: The reviewer praised the book for its engaging setting, particularly the description of French cuisine, and noted that it was not just a formulaic sequel but introduced new challenges for Cassidy and Jacob.
- Goodreads Review: A reviewer praised Victoria Schwab for stepping up the stakes in the series, making the enemy stronger and the narrative more balanced. They also appreciated the deeper exploration of Jacob's backstory, which added emotional weight to the story.
- Recaptains Review: This review provided a detailed summary of the plot, highlighting key events and character developments. It noted that the book was darker and more balanced than the previous installment, with well-written parallels between Jacob's story and the poltergeist plot.
Overall, "Tunnel of Bones" is a compelling sequel that deepens the mysteries and themes introduced in "City of Ghosts." It has been praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the author's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats.